Introduction
Queensland’s hot, humid weather is tough on commercial HVAC systems. High temperatures, salt-laden coastal air, and heavy daily usage all contribute to premature wear and costly breakdowns.
At Shelair, we’ve spent over 20 years servicing and repairing commercial air conditioning Brisbane businesses rely on — and we’ve seen every problem imaginable. Here are the most common issues and how to avoid them.
1. Blocked Filters and Restricted Airflow
One of the simplest but most damaging issues is dirty or clogged filters. Restricted airflow forces the system to work harder, increasing energy consumption and reducing cooling capacity.
Prevention: Schedule routine filter cleaning and replacement every 1–3 months, especially in dusty or high-use environments.
“routine filter cleaning” → Service & Repairs
2. Refrigerant Leaks and Low Gas Pressure
Brisbane’s high ambient temperatures can accelerate small refrigerant leaks, which lead to poor cooling, higher running costs, and potential compressor damage.
Prevention: Regular pressure checks and leak detection by licensed technicians ensure refrigerant levels stay within specifications and keep systems compliant with environmental regulations.
“licensed technicians” → About Us page.
3. Electrical and Sensor Failures
Electrical storms and high humidity often cause sensor or wiring issues in HVAC systems. These failures can make units short-cycle, run inefficiently, or stop completely.
Prevention: Annual inspection of control boards, wiring, and sensors catches faults early before they lead to system failure.
4. Corrosion from Coastal Air
Buildings near the coast — from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast — face extra wear from salt exposure. This corrodes coils, brackets, and outdoor components, shortening system lifespan.
Prevention: Apply protective coatings on outdoor units and rinse coils periodically to remove salt deposits.
5. Blocked Drain Lines and Mould Growth
Humidity encourages condensation and mould inside drain pans and ducting. This leads to odours, water leaks, and air-quality complaints.
Prevention: Regular drain cleaning, coil disinfection, and air-quality checks keep systems hygienic and efficient.
“drain cleaning” → Maintenance page.
6. Oversized or Undersized Systems
Incorrect system sizing is a common problem in commercial properties. Oversized units short-cycle and waste energy; undersized ones can’t maintain comfort on hot days.
Prevention: Proper load calculation during design and installation ensures optimal capacity and efficiency.
“design and installation” → Installation page.
7. Lack of Preventive Maintenance
Many HVAC issues stem from neglect. Running systems until they fail leads to higher repair costs and downtime — something no Brisbane business can afford.
Prevention: A scheduled preventative maintenance plan keeps everything running smoothly, compliant, and efficient year-round.
“preventative maintenance plan” → Service & Repairs
8. Poor Air Balancing and Duct Design
Uneven cooling or hot spots often come from poor ductwork layout or balancing. This not only affects comfort but forces parts of the system to overwork.
Prevention: Professional air-balancing tests during commissioning or service visits correct airflow issues before they waste energy.
Why Shelair Is the Right Choice for Queensland Businesses
Shelair provides commercial HVAC solutions purpose-built for Queensland’s conditions. Our Brisbane-based technicians understand the local climate and service all major brands — from ducted to VRV/VRF systems.
With proactive maintenance and responsive repairs, we help reduce energy costs, extend system life, and keep your business comfortable all year.
Call Today
Don’t let Queensland’s climate ruin your air conditioning system.
Contact Shelair today for professional maintenance and repair of your commercial air conditioning in Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast.
📞 Call 07 3204 9511 or visit our Service & Repairs page to book a technician.